The life of the former chairperson of the Umngungundlovu Regional Taxi Council was honoured at an event held at Shuku’s Green Leaf Estate in Pietermaritzburg recently, attended by members of the taxi industry, community, and business leaders.
The memorial lecture, initiated by the Imbali1&2 Taxi Association in partnership with Umngungundlovu Regional Taxi Council management, is the first of its kind to celebrate a taxi leader for his leadership skills and positive contributions to both the industry and his community.
KwaZulu-Natal SANTACO provincial leader Boy Zondi reflected on his association with Bheki Sokhela, highlighting that he was instrumental in introducing him to the taxi industry during their tenure as furniture sales representatives and debt collectors. Zondi recalled the training provided by their employer on effective debt management practices at the furniture store.
He also noted that the late Sokhela was known for his impeccable sense of dress style and took pleasure in grocery shopping. He said that his friend took pride of being a one-woman man and never believed in polygamy. Something that Zondi differed with his position.
Zondi explained that prior to the establishment of democratic elections in the industry—before the formation of the South Africa National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in 2000 via SATACO—there were no such processes for leadership selection. He reminded attendees that SANTACO is a business organization, and urged taxi operators to always conduct themselves as professionals.
He described Sokhela as a man of integrity, committed both to the taxi industry and his community, and said he was not surprised by the celebration of Sokhela’s life. Several speakers shared stories about Sokhela’s positive impact, highlighting how he encouraged taxi operators to professionalize and run their businesses as corporate entities rather than as a last-resort sector outside the mainstream economy.
He said together with Sokhela they made it possible for the taxi operators to buy vehicles without a deposit including assisting with operating licenses.
Zondi also called on taxi operators to protect the industry they have built, praising the hard work that has made it a successful industry founded by black South Africans.
He commended the Imbali1&2 Taxi Association for honouring their late leader and raising the profile of the Mngungundlovu region. He expressed hope that this event becomes annual, inspiring other regions to similarly honour their leaders.
